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Chapter 6:The Arrival

Tension was high as the Dursleys and Harry gathered in the living room.  Harry had changed into slacks and a nice button-down shirt, and had done his best to tame his already-messed-again hair. Uncle Vernon looked as though he would pop at any moment.  Dudley was dressed almost identically to Harry, although he had chosen different colors.  Aunt Petunia wore her nicest dress, complete with frills, and had applied an unusual amount of makeup.  Harry noticed that she looked a lot more like his mother did in the picture of his parents he kept with his things.

Everything stayed quiet until Dudley asked, "How will we be traveling today?" "The school has arranged magical transport for us because of these special circumstances, Dudley." Aunt Petunia replied. "Yes, special," Uncle Vernon mumbled loudly. "Now Vernon," Aunt Petunia said sarcastically, "If you would rather not go, I am sure that I can take care of things on my own." "Of course you can, dear, so I think that since you have decided to hand my son over to these people, that you should do just that. I am going to work. Goodbye Dudley, and please write to your old dad from time to time." And with that Uncle Vernon left without looking back.

Dudley was openly saddened by this exchange between his parents, and Harry put a hand on his shoulder to show support. Aunt Petunia sat down on the couch with a worried expression on her face. "Are you alright?" Harry asked. "I will be fine, Harry, and so will Vernon. It is quite a lot to take in so quickly, but he will warm up to it after you two are gone and we can yell about as we please," she said smiling. 

As Harry thought to respond, there was a boom like a crash of heavy thunder.  Before them appeared a man in scarlet robes who Harry recognized as Arthur Weasley.  "Greetings, all!" he exclaimed as Aunt Petunia gasped for air, thinking she would surely faint. "Hello, Mr. Weasley. How's Ron?" Harry asked before thinking.  "Everyone is fine, Harry. How are you?" Came Mr. Weasley. Harry nodded and Mr. Weasley continued, "I must say; this home is exceptionally clean, even by muggle standards. Well if everyone is ready, just take hold of this goblet and we will be there in no time at all."  Everyone touched the goblet, and with no warning there was another loud noise. In a blink they were standing just inside the main gate at Hogwart's. "This is where I leave you all. Harry, you will escort them to Dumbledore in the main hall. It was good to see you. With a crash Mr. Weasley had apparated away.

Aunt Petunia, who had kept her eyes closed through the whole process, opened them to see the most beautiful castle she ever seen. Dudley couldn't stop smiling as they followed Harry up the steps and into the great hall. Standing near a table at the side of the hall was Professor Dumbledore, who immediately chanted, "Welcome to Hogwart's. I am Professor Dumbledore, the headmaster." Aunt Petunia offered her hand and introduced herself, then Dudley. Dudley also offered his hand, which the professor shook and waved to seats at the table where they all sat and made themselves comfortable.

When they were all seated, Professor Dumbledore made greetings to Harry, and began to address Aunt Petunia and Dudley. "I am pleased that you have accepted my invitation.  I can tell from your composure that you have decided to open your minds to what goes on here. I am sure that you are aware that this is a huge undertaking. We do all within our power to ensure the safety of all of our students, but nothing involving our school is totally without risk. The hands-on training we provide here sometimes causes some minor injury, as I am sure Harry can attest, but our staff is well trained and capable handling any situation that may arise. We have confirmed that Dudley here is worthy of the training we will provide, and that he is quite ripe for this training. There are surely questions you would like to ask, and I will gladly answer them now."  Dudley made to speak, but Aunt Petunia broke in, "Please accept my thanks for your kind invitation, Professor. I am well aware of what goes on here because I received more than a few letters from my sister when she attended here. Just recently I re-read many of them.  I have complete faith in you, just as she did. With Harry here with him, I am sure that Dudley will do fine. I am ready to provide my signature where needed, and then I would like to be off as soon as possible. Dudley will have more than adequate time to pose any questions he may have." 

After the paperwork was complete, a short time later, the group gathered in front of the school once more. Dudley cried as he hugged his mother saying how much he loved her. Aunt Petunia turned to Harry, and through her tears said, "I will miss you Harry, please see that your cousin is taken well care of." "I will Aunt Petunia," Harry promised. With that she hugged Dudley again, and he promised he would be good. "I will personally see you home, Mrs.Dursley," Professor Dumbledore stated, and with a pop they apparated away. "Now what do we do?" Dudley asked Harry. As if in answer to the question, Professor McGonagall appeared and said, "This way please."